Methane is the main ingredient in natural gas and a GHG pollutant many times more potent than carbon dioxide (CO2), the principal contributor to man-made climate change. Even small amounts of methane leakage across the natural gas supply chain can undermine the climate benefit of switching to natural gas from other fossil fuels for some period of time.

Today, EDF is announcing its second major study as part of this overall project. This study aims to determine fugitive emissions of methane associated with routine operation of natural gas fleet vehicles fueled by compressed or liquefied natural gas. Joining EDF as study sponsors are the American Gas Association, International Council on Clean Transportation, PepsiCo, Shell, Volvo Group, Waste Management, Cummins Westport and Westport Innovations. Researchers with West Virginia University are conducting the assessment. The final results of this study will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal, for publication hopefully in late 2013 or early 2014.

EDF Chief Scientist, Steve Hamburg said this about the study:

"Currently, there is no empirical data on methane leaks associated with natural gas vehicles, only estimates. In order to fully understand the scope of the matter, and what the opportunity is to minimize methane emissions during the operation and refueling of natural gas vehicles, hard data is needed. This study brings together multiple, key stakeholders to advance methane science with measurements taken under real-world conditions. This information will help shape the public debate of the role that the increased usage of natural gas vehicles can have on our transportation sector.”

This study on natural gas vehicles is timely. The U.S. trucking industry could be on the verge of a significant migration to natural gas vehicles. By 2020, 40 percent of new class 7 and 8 trucks sold could run on natural gas. This would be a marked increase from today’s market, which is dominated by diesel vehicles.

If fugitive methane emissions across the supply chain are below the critical threshold of 1%, a movement of this magnitude towards commercial natural gas fleet vehicles could be a solid win for the environment. Estimates based on fuel cycle models created by Argonne National Laboratory indicate the production and use of natural gas in transportation can reduce GHG emissions by 13 percent when compared with burning diesel fuel – if no fugitive methane emissions leak out from the system during the production, transport or use of natural gas. Given that freight trucks are on pace to increase their GHG emissions 44% by 2040 we need all the help we can get to bring these emissions down to the lowest level possible.

It is heartening to see the broad industry support in sponsoring this study. We appreciate the leadership shown by all of our industry partners. Their participation gives us a strong sense that we will be able to find solutions working with station owners, potential fleet operators of natural gas fleet vehicles and associated equipment manufacturers to craft a path forward that will enable heavy-duty natural gas trucks to live up to their potential.

One Comment

I'm concerned about our environment like most people are, but your continued bashing of natural gas usage in this country's transportation sector really makes me mad. Natural gas is good of this country in so many ways. I'm starting to resent your "nanny state" positions on so many issues. It's like you feel your point of view carries more weight than others. If this country uses natural gas we would not pollute transporting oils from far distances to our shores. We could reduce use of Venezuelan's dirty oil. There are far too many other pros to state here. This country needs to strongly back use of natural gas in our transportation sector, NOW!!!!!!

About this Blog

EDF's energy experts discuss how to accelerate the transition to a clean, low-carbon energy economy.